Split - Grip Rods : Love 'em Or Hate 'em ? 2024

ChrisD46 reply :

I only own one split - grip rod , a short 6' M action casting rod I use for twitch baits where I am constantly working the rod tip down towards the water .

My casting rods for spinner baits , jigs , flipping / pitching and worms all have full length cork handles . What's your opinion on split - grip rods ? If you own any - what technique do you favor them for ?

Tywithay reply :

I can't stand them. There are a handful that are done well, but most seem like a means of cutting cost.

Jrob78 reply :

Love em. They suit my casting style really well.

ChrisD46 reply :

I believe a rod that is not designed to be split - grip rod up front all too often ends up being tip heavy .

Most full length grip rods under $150 ~ $200 seem to balance better in the hand.

*Hootie reply :

I have both and it don't make a great difference to me. But if I had to choose, I would have to go with the full grip.

Hootie

edfitzvb reply :

I have both. The vast majority are full grips but a split grip is not a deal breaker for me.

Crestliner2008 reply :

I have no preference between them. However, having some engineering experience, I do not believe there is any mechanical advantage to splitting the grip. I think it is merely a ploy by rod manufacturers to change the look and increase sales. Simply a gimmick IMO.

Arv reply :

Don't care. I have both full and split. As long as the rod is built well it doesn't bother me

BrianinMD reply :

Don't care, have both and it doesn't make any difference.

Grantman83 reply :

Depends on the application. Tip up, I prefer full grip for balance. Tip down, I can go either way. That's why it's great that some guys like dobyns and now the shimano crucial offer both options for most rods. Do you want balance or lightness?

roadwarrior reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 6:40 PM, Crestliner2008 said:
I have no preference between them. However, having some engineering experience, I do not believe there is any mechanical advantage to splitting the grip. I think it is merely a ploy by rod manufacturers to change the look and increase sales. Simply a gimmick IMO.

But I do think split grips have a "cool factor". My daughter thinks I'm old and un-hip, but she might be wrong!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXb72U5HnMM

sparky241 reply :

I like both but I prefer split grip

smalljaw67 reply :

One of my customs I had made in the early 90s is a split grip because I liked them before they became popular. I do a lot of roll casting to targets and the split grips is a lot better for me when doing this but if a rod is really good it doesn't matter as a full grip is fine too.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

The original theory behind a split grip was consistent placement of the rear hand for two handed casting. On production rods nowadays it's all about style and materials. 6" of quality cork can easily run up the cost of a rod by $20+

OkobojiEagle reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 8:09 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:
The original theory behind a split grip was consistent placement of the rear hand for two handed casting. On production rods nowadays it's all about style and materials. 6" of quality cork can easily run up the cost of a rod by $20+

I prefer a split grip on spinning rods, but my preference isn't as strong on casting rods.

crankbank reply :

I have both, and like a lot of the guys, it does not matter to me. It would never be a deal breaker for me when looking at a particular rod.

fishballer06 reply :

I think it all depends on the rod, and the application of it. I personally really like the feel of a split grip more, and I like it a lot better while making my cast as well. However, I feel like a split grip handle on most rods that are 7'+ makes them unbalanced, and that a full grip is better for those longer rods. In the end, it's all personal preference.

Hogsticker reply :

I don't care for them. All of my rods are full grip. If I HAD to have a rod with split grips, it would be a spinning rod.

Rivers Edge reply :

Both work well for me.

NathanW reply :

Full grip rods are starting to feel clunky and overweight. I still have a couple I love, both are Lamiglass Certified Pro rods. But I do not use them for chucking and winding. One is drop shot and one is a flipping stick.

Anything that requires lots of casting, especially long overhead casts (deep crankbaits), needs to be split grip. Split grip makes it easier to grip the but of the rod while casting.

Also, if rod manufacturers are tryign to split the grips to save costs I am all for that! As long as they dont go cheap on the blank!

Mike L reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 6:44 PM, Arv said:
Don't care. I have both full and split. As long as the rod is built well it doesn't bother me

Agree

Mike

Slipknot_Fan666 reply :

It doesn't matter to me really. I mainly just want cork handle rods, whether it's split grip or full grip, I don't care. They still do their job and catch me fish. Maybe I don't care because I don't really have the money to be picky, but it's pretty much personal preference.

Montanaro reply :

I get better hand placement and grip on rear split grip when making roll casts.

Otherwise I don't care. I probably prefer split if I had to choose

Raul reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 7:13 PM, BrianinMD said:
Don't care, have both and it doesn't make any difference.

Count me in !

TNBassin' reply :

I love split grip rods, especially if they have EVA on them.

Peezer123 reply :

I only own 3 rods but all 3 are Bps Carbonlite split grips...and I love them! Also...maybe it's just me but I feel like split grips are a tad more sensitive to bites..idk just my opinion!

Capt.Bob reply :

I hate em, I have one rod with split grip,,,,a 6'8" MXF LTB I bought fore 50 buck's to throw in the back of the truck under the cap so I always had a pole with me and didn't worry about hurting it. (If anyone has a full grip Legend I would be willing to trade ya)

Every other rod I own is a full Cork, there mat be an accent of foam unfortunately, as my preferred material is cork. I have two Legend Extreme rods I bought new with split grips and before I used them they were off to my rod builder for full cork handle's. The split grips just feel like something never got finished, and frankly I personally think most offer a cheap unfinished look. I do own rod's capable of proving the split grip does nothing to increase sensitivity.

Mike2841 reply :

I don't think I've ever held the rod in the middle of the handle, so it doesn't really matter to me.

Slipknot_Fan666 reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 11:41 PM, Mike2841 said:
I don't think I've ever held the rod in the middle of the handle, so it doesn't really matter to me.

Agreed.

SirSnookalot reply :

I have 1 split grip, being an 8' rod the butt and foregrip are quite ample, I don't mind it. A split grip in a shorter rod is not to my liking.

thehooligan reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 11:28 PM, TNBassin said:
I love split grip rods, especially if they have EVA on them.

Another fan here of split grips, especially Eva.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 11:38 PM, Capt.Bob said:

I hate em, I have one rod with split grip,,,,a 6'8" MXF LTB I bought fore 50 buck's to throw in the back of the truck under the cap so I always had a pole with me and didn't worry about hurting it. (If anyone has a full grip Legend I would be willing to trade ya)

Every other rod I own is a full Cork, there mat be an accent of foam unfortunately, as my preferred material is cork. I have two Legend Extreme rods I bought new with split grips and before I used them they were off to my rod builder for full cork handle's. The split grips just feel like something never got finished, and frankly I personally think most offer a cheap unfinished look. I do own rod's capable of proving the split grip does nothing to increase sensitivity.

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

Smallmouth Hunter reply :

I don't mind them, but I much prefer full grip..

SirSnookalot reply :

On 7/19/2014 at 8:43 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

I have a good buddy down here that buys nothing but custom rods, he told me he has 75 of them. He had a new rod that I was admiring especially because he is using the exact reel that I wanted a new rod for. He told me he pays about $100 being a friend and repeat customer, so I contacted his rod builder. I was a first time customer the wait time was 2 months (had a booth at a boat show and was swamped with business) and the price was about $250, I also had to drive up to Jupiter to pick up the rod.

I opted not to. Did my due diligence and bought a rod I love. I've fished next to Ray many times, my casting distance is the same and so is the backbone, Ray's rod may be a bit prettier but no more effective. I had no wait time and saved a nice chunk of money, plus a lifetime warranty of which I may be dubious that rod builder will always be in business.

Tywithay reply :

On 7/19/2014 at 2:44 PM, SirSnookalot said:

I have a good buddy down here that buys nothing but custom rods, he told me he has 75 of them. He had a new rod that I was admiring especially because he is using the exact reel that I wanted a new rod for. He told me he pays about $100 being a friend and repeat customer, so I contacted his rod builder. I was a first time customer the wait time was 2 months (had a booth at a boat show and was swamped with business) and the price was about $250, I also had to drive up to Jupiter to pick up the rod.

I opted not to. Did my due diligence and bought a rod I love. I've fished next to Ray many times, my casting distance is the same and so is the backbone, Ray's rod may be a bit prettier but no more effective. I had no wait time and saved a nice chunk of money, plus a lifetime warranty of which I may be dubious that rod builder will always be in business.

I don't think he wants a custom rod, just wants to change the handle. It depends on the materials used and the builder, but you're looking at $50-$100 most likely.

Hogsticker reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 10:40 PM, NathanW said:

Full grip rods are starting to feel clunky and overweight. I still have a couple I love, both are Lamiglass Certified Pro rods. But I do not use them for chucking and winding. One is drop shot and one is a flipping stick.

Anything that requires lots of casting, especially long overhead casts (deep crankbaits), needs to be split grip. Split grip makes it easier to grip the but of the rod while casting.

Also, if rod manufacturers are tryign to split the grips to save costs I am all for that! As long as they dont go cheap on the blank!

I disagree. A balanced rod is much easier to make repeated casts with. Most split grip off the shelf rods are not balanced.

Jeff H reply :

For spinning it makes no difference to me. For casting, if I'm using it for one handed casting (or pitching) I don't mind the split grip but I prefer full handle for 2 handed casting.

Tywithay reply :

On 7/18/2014 at 10:40 PM, NathanW said:
Also, if rod manufacturers are tryign to split the grips to save costs I am all for that! As long as they dont go cheap on the blank!

It's to save them money, not you.

Capt.Bob reply :

On 7/19/2014 at 8:43 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

What does it cost to have something like that done? Im talking the avg person contacting a builder for the 1st time not any discount you may get for repeat business.

I very much dislike the *** handle would like to get an idea on $$$ for full handle

THANKS

Oh for topic I like & use both but a split grip that doesnt fit LTB *** I dont like.

I had 50 bucks each in these two rod's in my avitar with the cork rings, and cap, plus labor all included. I had less than the price of one in both was why I bought them. He glues up the rings in the configuration and pattern you want, then reams the inner, and turns the outer. When done these rods are perfectly balanced before the cap goes on, another plus. This is his price for anyone, my discount is I get it done in less than 2 months but at his prices he cant give discounts, if you are accepted as a customer, you all get the same price. I just had a rod built, I bought and delivered the blank and all the components to him, plus had a front cork replaced on a rod that a mouse had chewed on. When the rod was done along with a repair where he had to replace a front cork on a rod, it cost me $75.00 for the total build and the repair. I gave him $100.00 and said thanks, my wait was 5 weeks, next time my wait won't be 2,,,3,,,,maybe 4 months like others. He is busy works to cheap, and ships his work all over the world. You may want to send Mike @ DVT a message and ask as he is a custom rod builder as well as reel service. Most rods it is not cost effective to buy then alter, as there are probably rods just as good already available with the components and blanks to equal what your looking for, in this case there wasn't and I ended up with two rods, for the total cost of one rod, when all was changed and done.

Dave P reply :

I don't pay any attention to whether it's a split grip or not. I just pick it up and use it.

jignfule reply :

hate em

FishTank reply :

To me, it depends on how the reel balances with the rod. If I had to chose, I would say a full cork handle is best.

BassBossMN reply :

I feel split grip provides more comfort when casting.

tentimesover reply :

Some of the split grips if designed right aren't terrible; however, I much prefer the full grip. I just made a final selection of a casting rod based on which model was available in full cork handle.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

$50 is a fair price for a rear grip replacement of standard/burl/composite cork. I'd get a little more for all AAA grade cork. I wouldn't suggest or encourage buying a rod that you know before hand you don't like the grip. The biggest advantage to a custom build is that you can get exactly what you want without compromise. Rod length, power, action / grip material, diameter, shape & length / reel seat / guides are all open to choosing. Then of course there are the cosmetics. A custom build allows time for static testing for premium guide placement as well, a luxury that just doesn't exist in a mass production setting. The level to which these things will lead to increased casting distance, improved sensitivity and fish caught depends largely upon what you compare to. Sometimes the objective is not only to catch fish, but to enjoy the experience more. A box-stock Japanese motorcycle will get you where you're going, but a chromed out Harley with loud pipes might have you show up with a bigger grin on your face. It's up to the rider / angler.

WRB reply :

Split grips came about to lighten the over all rod weight, it's difficult to build a 7'+ rod under 4 ounces with a full grip and fore grip. The cost of premium cork is high, if you can find it today!

I don't Ming split grip rod handles unless it's a swimbait or crankbait rod, then full handles are important to me.

My bone to pick is no fore grips! My rod holding technique requires at least a 2" long fore grip. My rod holding hand is mostly in front of the reel so I can feel the line effectively.

Tom

SirSnookalot reply :

On 7/21/2014 at 11:00 AM, WRB said:

Split grips came about to lighten the over all rod weight, it's difficult to build a 7'+ rod under 4 ounces with a full grip and fore grip. The cost of premium cork is high, if you can find it today!

I don't Ming split grip rod handles unless it's a swimbait or crankbait rod, then full handles are important to me.

My bone to pick is no fore grips! My rod holding technique requires at least a 2" long fore grip. My rod holding hand is mostly in front of the reel so I can feel the line effectively.

Tom

I'm right with Tom on this, I will not buy a rod without a foregrip.

For my brand of fishing a super light rod or even perfect balance isn't overly important. Don't know exactly how much weight is saved with a split grip, that savings would not guide my decision in a purchase.

I wonder how much cork really costs, not to a private individual or even a rod maker that makes a handful of rods, but the manufacturer. A company producing a large quantity of rods year in and year out is going to be paying a wholesale priced based on volume, it isn't going to be all that much money. That said a few bucks saved on each rod just adds to the overall profit to the company, plus split grips seem to be in vogue. If or when split grips fall out of favor full grips will be made by everyone again.

Tywithay reply :

The problem with saving weight (it's not much weight at all) is where they're cutting the weight. If you're removing weight from the bottom portion of the rod, you're hurting the balance of the rod. Doesn't matter for all techniques, but for tip-up applications, a proper balance makes it much more comfortable over the course of several hours.

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